The Falcons boss has also warned the flying Dutchman to pick up his consistency if he really wants that No 14 shirt.

Powerful runner Visser has struggled for first-team action this term, even being farmed out on loan to Tynedale for two matches where he featured at centre.

The exciting talent started Sunday’s 21-16 win over Parma, but struggled to get in on the action until the dying stages of the frustrating affair.

Visser came into the starting line-up in place of shoulder injury victim Danny Williams, and Bates was suitably impressed.

However, it remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old academy product can oust the rugby league convert over the festive period.

Former Leeds Rhinos man Williams has three tries in his last three starts, while Visser has two scores from eight appearances this term.

Rugby director Bates admitted Visser might have played more this term, and then said it is time the 6ft 5in wide man started building on his impressive early career.

The former Barnard Castle schoolboy stepped his way to the winning try with the game’s last play on his debut against Worcester in September 2006.

After four tries in 11 showings in that first year, Visser’s promising career then suddenly seeemed to stall as he went out on loan to Premiership rivals Northampton last term.

However, he still managed 25 appearances in all competitions – and Bates has told his tricky strike runner to keep pushing hard if he wants to enjoy a similar record this term.

With a dislocated elbow laying England Sevens ace Ollie Phillips low in the next few weeks, Visser has a chance to push himself to the top of the dangermen queue.

Bates clearly still feels John Rudd’s physical and direct running is an important component of his gameplan, and we can expect the unfussy customer to play a large part in the return to Premiership action, starting at Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

So that leaves Visser and Williams realistically to challenge for the other spot, should Tom May continue at full-back over Steve Jones.

That left Bates to say: “Tim did well and came into things late on with two good runs.

“He has a lot of ability and can always be a threat with his running, change of direction and his strength.

“He burst on to the scene for the Falcons two years ago and was almost a victim of that immediate success in a way.

“Obviously he did not take long to get over that and he has developed well, but we felt it would benefit him to have that time at Tynedale this year and now he is back he can stake a claim for himself.

“Danny has done well and his shoulder problem was a blow for him, but it gave Tim a chance and now it will be interesting to see how he responds.

“We have a tough game at Leicester with the return to Premiership rugby and the next few weeks will be pretty hectic, so a fair few guys are going to get a chance.”